Injuries continue to wreak havoc on fantasy football lineups. With just three weeks left in the regular season, fantasy managers need their players on the field. Last week, Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp left the game with an ankle injury. Should fantasy football managers prepare to be without him in Week 12?
Latest Injury Update on Cooper Kupp
Last week, Cooper Kupp left the game with an ankle injury. He went to the tent. He went to the locker room. He came back out in the second half and tried to give it a go. He just couldn’t get back on the field.
The fact that Kupp was even close to returning to the game was already a positive sign. When Kupp didn’t practice on Wednesday, it was the opposite.
With that said, Wednesday practices are largely meaningless, especially this late in the season, and especially for a veteran like Kupp. The real story would be told with Thursday’s and Friday’s practices.
Well, we have good news! Kupp returned to practice on Thursday. It was only a limited session, but any sort of practice is a good sign for Kupp’s availability.
Will Kupp Play This Week?
Had Kupp not practiced on Thursday, that would’ve likely sealed his fate for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. Since he was able to practice, and it’s only a low ankle sprain, that paints a much more optimistic picture.
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If Kupp somehow gets in a full practice Friday, he is almost certain to play. But he will likely be limited and draw a questionable tag.
Given that Kupp was able to practice on Thursday, though, I am cautiously optimistic that he will be able to go.
Friday Update: Kupp practiced in full on Friday and has no injury designation. He is good to go.
What Does This Mean for Kupp’s Fantasy Ranking?
Kupp hasn’t been his usual dominant self this season. Even so, whenever Kupp is on the field, he’s at least a high-end WR2.
The bigger impact on Kupp’s status is on Puka Nacua. The rookie is always a starting option in fantasy lineups, but he’s a clear WR1 whenever Kupp is out. He’s more WR2 with Kupp in the lineup.
Hopefully, we get one of Adam Schefter’s classic late-night tweets on Saturday night with a tip as to Kupp’s playing status. If not, fantasy managers will have to operate with limited information.
The Rams and Cardinals play at 4:05 p.m. ET. That means we won’t have inactives for that game until the 1 p.m. ET games have already started.
If there’s any chance Kupp can go, you have to hold out a spot in your lineup for him. Just be sure to have an alternative in place if Kupp is a true game-time decision.
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